Joining a guided Delphi day trip from Athens is the perfect way to explore the stunning scenery and the city’s ancient history. The ancient Greek ruins of Delphi have an otherworldly grace in a stunning natural setting between two craggy peaks of Mount Parnassus.
Delphi is a unique site to behold, and you will certainly not regret spending the day here. That being said, it’s a 2.5-hour trip from Athens and I recommend booking a tour from Athens.
Besides learning everything about Delphi, the driver will go through the most beautiful scenery, the village of Arachova, and you’ll have incredible memories to take back home.
Planning a day trip to Delpi from Athens? Here’s everything you need to know.
Delphi Day Trip from Athens – Overview
Before going through the itinerary and details of the Athens to Delphi day trip, let’s cover some essentials that may be useful to you when visiting, such as the location, getting there, and more.
Where is Delphi?
Delphi is located on the east northern part of Athens, 180km away, or about 2 hours by car. On the way to Delphi, you can stop at Arachova, a picturesque mountain town with lots of authentic Greece restaurants, churches, and idyllic narrow streets.
How to Get to Delphi?
Getting to Delphi is pretty easy, and you can get there by bus, rent a car, or join a day trip. The cheapest way is by bus, while the most convenient and comfortable option is joining a day trip to Delphi from Athens.
The KTEL bus service offers 4 daily trips for around €15.50, taking about 3 hours, including a short break. Departures from Athens start at 8.30 am with the last bus at 6.00 pm, and from Delphi at various times starting at 5.30 am.
Driving is another option, with well-maintained roads leading to Delphi via the E75 highway and a scenic 70km drive from Kastro. However, be cautious of the challenging mountain roads near Delphi.
That being said, if you only have a few days in Athens, I would recommend an organized day trip instead. This way, you don’t have to worry about renting a car or making it on time for the bus. Of course, having an expert guide that’ll tell you everything about Delphi is an added bonus.
Also, day tours to Delphi are very affordable, and they include lunch in a nice local restaurant as well as a stop at the stunning Arachova.
Best-Rated Tour
Athens Day Trip to Delphi
- Full day tour to Delphi for a great time
- Best way to visit Delphi when in Athens
- Skip the lines, avoid crowds, and learn lots
Includes
- Expert guide all along
- Visit of Delphi’s Archaeological Museum
- Bus ride to Delphi and see Arachova town
How Long Does a Tour to Delphi Last?
Day trips from Athens to Delphi last 10 hours, including round-trip transfers from Athens, guided tours of archaeological sites, and free time for lunch or shopping in the modern city.
It’s a jam-packed day but definitely worth it to see the ancient ruins and beautiful landscapes of Delphi. Plus, with our experienced guides leading the way, you won’t miss a thing.
What to Expect on a Delphi Tour From Athens
Your tour will start the tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Athens and then go to Delphi, which is on the spur of Mount Parnassus. You’ll make a short stop outside Levadia before arriving in Delphi. Once there, you’ll visit the famous theater and get great views of the surrounding mountains.
You’ll also learn about the ancient Greek world by visiting the Temple of Apollo, which was once the center of Ancient Greece.
As you tour the Museum of Delphi, home to artifacts such as the Naxian Sphinx and a unique bronze Charioteer, you will gain an incredible insight into Ancient Greek culture and history, and visit the most important archaeological sites.
After lunch, which is included in day tours from Athens, you’ll get to visit Athena Pronaia Sanctuary – one of Delphi’s most popular attractions.
Then head back while making a stop in Arachova – a mountain village situated on the hills of Parnassus Mountains where you can take some stunning photos.
All in all, day trips to Delphi can’t be fully described in words and, instead, you’ll have to experience it yourself. I highly recommend booking your tour now, tickets sell out very fast!
What to See in Delphi
This guided day trip to stunning Delphi will allow you to explore some of the most popular ancient Greek sights. You’ll spend the day learning about everything from the oracle to long-forgotten ruins, such as the amphitheater and the Temple of Apollo.
Theatre and Temple of Apollo
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Delphi’s Archaeological Site, is one of the most significant Greek religious sites from the 6th century BC. Pilgrims traveled to Delphi to hear the oracle of Apollo (a prophetess who was said to channel the words of Apollo) speak at its Temple of Apollo.
The view from the mountains is truly breathtaking, and it’s easy to see why the ancient Greeks thought this area had a mystical energy about it. After the theatre, the Temple of Apollo is the next port of call, and it’s near here that the Oracle was said to have given her prophecies.
I’m sure your guide will have plenty of stories about who the Oracle of Delphi was. Either way, it’s definitely worth taking a few moments to soak in the atmosphere of this historic site.
Athenian Treasury
The Athenians built the Treasury in Delphi to house dedications and offerings made the God Apollo.
What you can see today has been reconstructed and renovated at least 3 times in the past 100 years, as obviously, the ruins got naturally damaged over the years.
Stadium of Delphi
If you find yourself at the temple of Delphi on a particularly hot day, you might be interested in knowing that there is an air-conditioned museum option. However, if you’re up for it, I suggest taking the walk to see the stadium as well – it’s quite lovely. And even if you do decide to go straight for the museum, don’t entirely skip over it!
If you’re on an organized tour, it’s worth noting that the tour guide will take you to the museum instead of the stadium, since it has air conditioning, and that isn’t a bad thing!
The Delphi Museum
The guide showing you around the Delphi Museum is an included perk when taking the day trip to see the site. You’ll get to listen all the interesting facts about certain exhibitions and artifacts, such as the bronze Charioteer of Delphi and Sphinx of Naxos.
By far the most important artifact in the archaeological museum at Delphi is The Charioteer. As one of the greatest examples of ancient Greek culture, this unique bronze charioteer amazes all who see it with its incredible details.
It’s believed that The Charioteer originally stood next to the Temple of Apollo, acting as a commemorative piece for a victory achieved during Pythian Games.
The Temple of Athena Pronaia
The Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia is a place that has more feeling than most temples and certainly takes my breath away with its beauty. It’s also one of the few circular buildings in Greece, making it an interesting site to explore for any visitor from near or far.
To me, this was the most interesting part of the Delphi day trip from Athens and you simply can’t skip it.
Arachova
After a day of exploring the ruins of Delphi, it’s time to head back to Athens. But before you do, you’ll be making a quick stop in the mountain town of Arachova.
Just a short drive from Delphi, Arachova is famous for its traditional architecture and stunning views. With its whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches, the town has a distinctly Greek feel. And thanks to its elevation, it offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat, you’ll find plenty of options in Arachova’s restaurants and cafes. Can you think of a better stop?
Tips for Visiting Delphi
When visiting Delphi, planning ahead is key. Start early to avoid the crowds, especially if you’re traveling during peak tourist season – That’s why Athens day trips to Delphi always leave early in the morning.
Wear comfortable shoes as the site involves a lot of walking on uneven paths. Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen, as shade is limited and the Greek sun can be intense.
Also, plan enough time to explore both the archaeological site and the museum, as each offers unique insights into ancient Greek culture.
Lastly, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and mountains – they truly enhance the Delphi experience.
Day Trip to Delphi From Athens – FAQ
Now that you know the ideal Athens to Delphi day trip and what to see there, let’s answer some questions from first-timers that could be helpful to you before going.
Is Delphi Worth Visiting?
Definitely – Delphi is home to the famous Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle delivered prophecies, and is one of the most interesting and best day tours from Athens. The beautiful ruins and stunning mountainside location make it a must-see destination in Greece.
Plus, don’t miss the chance to visit the nearby stunning mountain town of Arachova. Trust me, you won’t regret adding Delphi to your itinerary.
How Far is Delphi from Athens?
Delphi is located approximately 180 kilometers from Athens, or about 2 hours by car. The journey is scenic, as it takes travelers through the picturesque Greek countryside. And once you arrive in Delphi, you will find a wealth of things to see and do.
You can explore the ruins of the temple dedicated to Apollo, visit the museum which houses many ancient artifacts, or enjoy the stunning views of Mount Parnassus. No matter what your interests are, a visit to Delphi is sure to please.
Should You Take a Tour to Delphi?
Absolutely – a trip to Delphi is the perfect way to get a taste of Greek history and culture. Situated on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once home to the famous Oracle of Apollo.
Today, you can explore the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, as well as the Treasury of Athens and some historical artifacts at the Delphi museum, which is amazing.
Is Lunch Included in Delphi Day Tours?
Delphi Day Tours from Athens typically include lunch as part of the tour package. This is a great way to sample some of the local cuisine and get to know the other people on the tour. Lunch is usually served at a traditional Greek taverna in Arachova, and it typically includes a salad, main course, and dessert.
Where to Stay in Athens?
Apart from knowing how to plan a visit to the archaelogical site of Delphi, you should also know the accommodation options. These are the best properties for each budget, from a boutique hotel to more affordable options.
Luxury: Hotel Lozenge
In Athens’ upscale Kolonaki area, Hotel Lozenge offers modern, air-conditioned rooms and suites with free WiFi, balconies, and a coffee machine. It features a Mediterranean bar-restaurant and is a short walk from the city center and other restaurants and bars.
Amenities include a 24-hour front desk and airport transfers (extra charge). It’s near Zappion National Garden and Kolonaki Square, with Elefthérios Venizélos Airport 38 km away.
Mid-Range: Arethusa Hotel
Arethusa Hotel, next to Athens’ Old Town and 50 meters from Syntagma Metro, provides air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, TV, and fridge. It offers an American breakfast buffet, a bar, and a roof garden with Acropolis views.
The 24-hour front desk assists with car rentals and local information. Near Ermou Street’s shops, it’s a 15-minute walk to the Acropolis.
Budget: Elikon
Elikon in central Athens is just a 3-minute walk from Omonoia Metro Station, close to shops and restaurants. It offers simple, balcony-equipped rooms with free WiFi, TV, and wardrobe.
Early check-in and late check-out facility for shower and toilet use is available. Near the National Archaeological Museum, Syntagma Square, Acropolis Hill, and Ermou shopping street. Private parking is available nearby at an extra charge.
Conclusion
All in all, the trip to Delphi was quite an adventure. Between the amazing ruins and the wonderful views, it’s definitely a place worth visiting. And of course, who could forget about the delicious food? I would highly recommend taking a day trip to Delphi if you ever find yourself in Athens!
